Future Vertical Lift represents one of the Army’s most ambitious modernization priorities, promising greater speed, range, and adaptability in the skies. But progress is measured not only in engineering milestones, but also in how lessons from Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific reshape requirements. The conversation now is whether the program is aligned with evolving threats and on track to deliver platforms that can dominate in contested environments. In this panel event, Defense News will assess the status of Future Vertical Lift, examine its next steps, and explore how shifting global conflicts are shaping its trajectory.

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As threats evolve at unprecedented speed, the Army must rapidly adopt and integrate emerging technologies to maintain the edge. From artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to resilient networks and cloud-enabled operations, defense leaders are seeking new ways to transform data into decision advantage and ensure forces are ready to fight and win. This discussion brings Army and industry leaders together to explore how technology can be accelerated from concept to the battlefield, ensuring the Army is prepared for tomorrow’s missions today.

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The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have exposed the vulnerability of munitions stockpiles strained by high demand and slow industrial capacity. At the same time, new weapons such as maneuverable missiles, precision-guided artillery, and smart loitering systems are redefining what “stockpile” even means in the 21st century. Replenishing and reimagining munitions has become central to deterrence and readiness. In this panel event, Defense News will examine how the U.S. is rebuilding its munitions reserves and what role emerging technologies will play in sustaining them.

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Armored vehicles remain the backbone of ground combat, but new threats — from loitering munitions to precision anti-armor weapons — demand innovation at every level. Survivability, mobility, and lethality must evolve in tandem, backed by testing cycles that are faster and supply chains that are resilient. Industry and the Army alike are racing to ensure armored platforms remain relevant against peer adversaries. In this panel event, Defense News will explore the challenges facing armored systems and highlight the innovations that will define their future effectiveness.

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The Department of Defense is rapidly embracing Unmanned Autonomous Systems (UAS) across all service branches, including the Army, with AI and cloud computing driving this transformation. Senior leaders from the Army and industry will discuss how cloud-enabled AI is revolutionizing autonomous operations. The panel will explore breakthroughs in autonomous flight, swarming technologies, and real-time mission adaptation. Learn how cloud infrastructure and AI address key challenges in autonomous operations, from mission planning to distributed command and control to data transfer and analysis, enhancing our nation’s military capabilities in contested environments.

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From hypersonics to UAS swarms, adversaries are fielding weapons that test the limits of traditional missile defense and homeland security strategies. At the same time, electronic warfare, cyber intrusions, and space-based threats add layers of complexity to protecting the homeland. Meeting these challenges requires systems that are not only resilient but also integrated with left-of-launch sensors that can detect, infer, and provide warnings, as well as post-launch sensors, interceptors, and decision-making tools that provide a layered shield that will adapt to address a wide range of evolving threats. In this panel event, Defense News will explore how the U.S. is developing the next generation of homeland defenses designed to meet diverse and rapidly changing challenges.

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The Army’s modernization agenda is unprecedented in scale, spanning everything from long-range precision fires and network upgrades to next-generation combat vehicles and soldier lethality programs. But progress is uneven, with some programs racing forward while others face funding, testing, or integration hurdles. The question is whether the Army can accelerate success while still building long-term, sustainable capability. In this panel event, Defense News will provide a clear-eyed look at the Army’s modernization effort, its successes, setbacks, and the critical programs to watch next.

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Defense News will be hosting many interviews in our booth throughout the duration of the show. Explore the schedule and feel free to stop by to listen-in to any of the conversations.